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In 2014, the trust announced that it would start charging for blue badge holder parking - in line with other trusts - but held off introducing this charge to enable special pay machines to be installed.

Blue badge parking will be a pay and display ticket at a reduced fee of £3 for 24 hours and will be implemented at The James Cook University Hospital in December 2017 and at the Friarage Hospital once building work on The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre is completed next year.

James Cook University Hospital (Image: Peter Reimann)

A further review of car parking will also take place at the Northallerton site once this work is complete.

A spokeswoman for the trust added that there will be a review of the cost of regular visitor permits once the new machines are installed in December.

The trust also urged drivers not to park on double red lines and pavements as this obstructs emergency vehicles and wheelchair access. Car parking charge notices will be issued to anyone not parking in an official space and these will be enforced.

Patients referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by their doctor, dentist or another health professional, may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.